"Double Talkin' Jive" by Guns N' Roses

"Double Talkin' Jive" from Guns N' Roses' iconic album "Use Your Illusion I" showcases a raw, gritty style mixed with complex guitar work that makes it a standout track, especially for guitar enthusiasts. The song's guitar parts are primarily handled by lead guitarist Slash, whose distinctive style and mastery of various guitar techniques are on full display. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library tutorial.

Guitar Chords and Progressions

The song starts with a mysterious, almost flamenco-inspired intro played on a nylon-string guitar. The main chords used here are E minor and B7, setting a dark and intense tone. This intro sets the stage not only for the rock-driven part of the song but also for the aggressive tone it carries.

As the song transitions into the electric section, the chord progression becomes more direct and forceful, predominantly revolving around E5 and G5 power chords, with transitions through D and A chords. This progression is crucial for driving the heavy, relentless feel of the track. The use of power chords and barre chords helps in delivering a robust and full-bodied sound, essential for the hard rock texture of the song.

Scales and Solo Analysis

Slash is known for his pentatonic scale mastery, and "Double Talkin' Jive" is no exception. Throughout the verses and the song’s fiery solo, he makes extensive use of the E minor pentatonic scale. The solo itself is a masterclass in phrasing and timing, beginning with a slow burn and gradually building up to a climax. It's an example of how Slash combines scales with expressive techniques to create memorable guitar solos.

The guitar solo uses a mix of the E minor pentatonic and the E natural minor scale, emphasising notes that add tension and release, critical for the emotional impact of the solo. Techniques such as string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons are utilised to expressiveness and depth.

Lead Guitarist: Slash

Slash's playing on "Double Talkin' Jive" is emblematic of his style – aggressive yet nuanced, with a keen sense of rhythm and melody. His ability to blend different guitar techniques seamlessly into rock compositions allows him to convey a range of emotions, from anger to sorrow to defiance. In this track, his approach to the solo section, in particular, showcases his skill in building solos that are both technically impressive and emotionally compelling.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Double Talkin' Jive"

• Power Chords: These are fundamental in the rock genre and are used throughout the song to give a robust and aggressive backing.
• Barre Chords: Used during the transitions and quieter sections to maintain the harmonic depth.
• String Bending: Featured prominently in the solo to emphasise certain notes and create a vocal-like quality.
• Hammer-ons: These provide fluidity to the lead lines, making the solos and fills smoother.
• Pull-offs: Often used in conjunction with hammer-ons for fast and smooth transitions between notes in solos.
• Vibrato: A key element in Slash’s soloing technique, adding expression and sustain to the notes.
• Slides: Used to connect notes with a legato feel, particularly in the solo sections.

"Double Talkin' Jive" is not just a testament to Guns N' Roses' hard rock capabilities but also a showcase of Slash's intricate and expressive guitar work. The song serves as an excellent study material for guitarists who wish to delve into hard rock guitar techniques and the application of the minor pentatonic scale in solos. It exemplifies how a rock song can be both aggressively straightforward and complexly nuanced, making it a perennial favourite for both listeners and aspiring guitarists alike.